Production Manager - Machine Shop and Assembly Operations

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.  

Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence, and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients.  Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

Kearfott offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement.   We offer a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. 

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.

For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Position Summary:

The Manager, Machine Shop & Lower Assembly directs all machining and low-level assembly operations for the Motion Systems Division (MSD) of Kearfott Corporation. This critical leadership role requires an experienced mentor capable of developing a world-class manufacturing team. As a vital Lean Manufacturing change agent, the Manager will champion continuous improvement and drive waste-reduction initiatives across the department.

Essential Functions:

• Manage day-to-day machine shop and lower assembly workflows to consistently meet or exceed key customer and business performance metrics.
• Establish, track, and execute departmental goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) in strict alignment with overall MSD business objectives.
• Foster continuity across manufacturing areas, support corporate initiatives, and provide executive stakeholders with regular metrics regarding shipments, plant efficiency, and operational improvements.
• Lead the organization in designing and implementing manufacturing standards, methods, and process metrics to enhance production consistency.
• Actively contribute to Root Cause/Corrective Action (RCCA) initiatives, the Six Sigma Council, Green/Yellow Belt training programs, 6S, and broader lean manufacturing frameworks.
• Coach, mentor, and empower shop floor associates, ensuring clear accountability and complete understanding of individual and team performance objectives.
• Analyze, design, and optimize assembly processes to aggressively reduce waste, cut lead times, and optimize inventory management.
• Cultivate a proactive lean manufacturing culture, ensuring frontline buy-in and genuine employee ownership of continuous improvement metrics.
• Enforce rigid compliance with all company policies, regulatory guidelines, and workplace safety procedures, maintaining an active, highly visible presence on the shop floor.

Required Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is preferred; however, a strong track record of extensive, hands-on machine shop leadership experience is highly valued and may substitute for a formal degree.
• Proven, deep experience managing operations within a heavy CNC machining and assembly environment.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity or direct experience with modern CNC machining software and programming platforms is preferred.
• Prior experience operating within highly regulated manufacturing environments governed by AS9100 quality management systems and ITAR compliance standards is preferred.
• Must be a US Citizen.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans